New research from Blackpool Zoo and the University of Lancashire has revealed that zoo visits can significantly improve guests' wellbeing, and strengthen their connection to nature.
Titled Wildlife and Wellbeing: Investigating Visitor Experiences at a Zoo, the study was carried out by Blackpool Zoo's head of education, conservation and research, Rebecca Reynolds, as part of her MSc degree.
"This research shows that even an ordinary day at the zoo can have a meaningful impact on how people feel," said Reynolds.
Between February and June 2025, 426 participants – including visitors, zoo members, and guests taking part in animal experiences such as giraffe and capybara encounters – completed wellbeing questionnaires before and after their visit to Blackpool Zoo.
The questions were drawn from internationally recognised and validated wellbeing measures and designed to assess areas including calmness, happiness, stress level, energy and connection to nature.
The results showed that all aspects of participants' wellbeing had improved significantly by the end of the zoo visit.
Nature and animals boost visitor wellbeing
Visitors showed reduced stress-related thoughts, increased calmness, greater contentment and heightened energy levels.
Darren Webster, zoo director at Blackpool Zoo, said the research "provides powerful evidence of the real psychological benefits a zoo visit can bring".
"We are incredibly proud to support work that highlights the positive role zoos can play in people’s everyday lives and this study demonstrates that a visit to Blackpool Zoo can be far more than just a day out," he added.
The study, Reynolds said, "adds important weight to proposals that wellbeing should be formally recognised as a core aim of the modern zoo, alongside conservation, education and research".
"It also highlights the potential for zoos to partner with health providers, mental health charities and local authorities to expand access to nature-based support for communities across the country," she added.
Webster said: "We hope these findings encourage more conversations around how nature, animals and accessible green spaces can support mental health across the UK."
Chester Zoo has also launched a study on how zoos can benefit people's wellbeing in partnership with Nottingham Trent University.
Images courtesy of Parques Reunidos
